innovative intersections bowtie · giving drivers more time to react ... note: for simplicity, only...
TRANSCRIPT
What are innovative intersections? Intersection designs where traffic movements are modified to improve safety, reduce delay, and increase efficiency.
Visit www.virginiadot.org/innovativeintersections to learn more.
Proposed Bowtie (2017), Prince William Parkway at Clover Hill Road, Prince William County, VA
What is a bowtie? � An intersection where left-turn movements are completed at an adjacent roundabout
� There are roundabouts on the side street, before and after the main intersection
� The roundabouts can have two, three, or four legs
� Traffic entering the roundabout slows down and yields to traffic already inside the roundabout
� The diameters of the roundabouts vary depending on speed, volume, size of vehicles, and number of legs
When should a bowtie be considered?
� At intersections with moderate to heavy through traffic volumes and low to moderate left-turn traffic volumes
� At locations with narrow or non-existent medians and/or limited right-of-way to expand
What are the benefits of a bowtie?
� Improved safety: Reduces the number of points where motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists may cross paths; promotes lower vehicle speeds at the roundabouts, giving drivers more time to react
� Increased efficiency: Since there are no left-turns at the main intersection and the adjacent intersections are yield-controlled, a bowtie has fewer traffic signal phases, which reduces stops and delay
� Shorter wait times: Fewer traffic signal phases means less time stopping at the main intersection
� Cost-effective: A bowtie can be more cost-effective than adding lanes to increase capacity
INNOVATIVE INTERSECTIONS
Bowtie
qPedestrians use marked crosswalks to safely cross the intersection
Ǧ Depending on their level of comfort, cyclists may navigate the intersection using vehicle or pedestrian paths
INNOVATIVE INTERSECTIONS
Navigating a Bowtie
äTo continue straight on the major street, navigate the intersection like at a conventional intersection
P To continue straight or turn right from the side street, navigate the intersection like at a conventional intersection
Visit www.virginiadot.org/innovativeintersections to learn more.
NOT TO SCALENote: For simplicity, only two directions of traffic are shown. Opposing traffic follows similar routes.
g To turn right from the major street, turn right and continue straight through the roundabout
h To make a left turn from the side street to the major street, go straight through the main intersection, make a u-turn at the roundabout, and turn right onto the major street
h To make a left turn from the major street, turn right onto the side street, make a u-turn at the roundabout, and continue straight